New Hanover County Recognizes Employees for Exceptional Service
New Hanover County, NC – New Hanover County employees were celebrated at the third-annual Reach for the Stars Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 26. Vice-Chairman Skip Watkins, Commissioners Jonathan Barfield and Rob Zapple, and County Manager Chris Coudriet all applauded the work of county employees, who serve and make an impact in our community.
In the past year, 202 Stellar Awards have been presented to employees around the county for their exceptional work. These stellar award winners, joined by their supervisors, attended the awards banquet to be honored.
“I echo what the Commissioners all said at Wednesday’s event,” County Manager Chris Coudriet said. “We are lucky to have such talented and dedicated employees who are committed each and every day to make our county great.”
Six county employees were recognized at the event with the county’s highest staff award, the “Five-Star Award.” Those honored were:
- Brett Cottrell, Communications and Outreach Specialist
- Tracy Dawson, Human Resources Analyst
- Jean Lewis, Human Resources Specialist
- Chris O’Keefe, Planning and Land Use Director
- Jennifer Rigby, Strategy & Policy Coordinator
- Jim Thomas, Environmental Management Equipment Operator Supervisor
Reach for the Stars is the county’s employee recognition program, and was established in 2014 with a focus on the county’s shared values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountability. Citizens and colleagues can nominate county employees for their outstanding service through the Stellar Award or the Community Service Award. The top award – the Five Star Award – is given to employees who receive nominations across at least four of the county’s five shared values. To learn more about the Reach for the Stars Recognition Program and how the community can make nominations, click here.
View pictures from the Reach for the Stars event here.
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Release Contact:
Jessica Loeper
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
910-798-7461